On premise water treatment system and method

ABSTRACT

A water treatment method uses a removable, disposable cartridge having an internal mesh structure. A disposable heater heats water fed to the cartridge. Precipitated solids collect on the mesh surface provided temperature and residence time are appropriately maintained. The heat breaks down the bicarbonate hardness of the water thereby depositing carbonates on the mesh surface and heavy metals will be codeposited due to the resultant change in pH. The cartridge has a head-space for collecting entrained gases such as volatile organic compounds, chlorine and air. Water sterility is achieved by heating the water over an appropriate period of time. Turbidity is removed within the cartridge due to settling induced by the low fluid velocity controlled by a controller and by a filter provided at the outlet of the cartridge. The filter will become blocked when bicarbonate hardness is carried over forcing a user to replace a spent cartridge. Heat economy and a cool treated water outlet stream are secured by use of a heat exchanger. Water is fed from the cartridge, through an intercooler and the heat exchanger to a storage tank. Water in the storage tank is kept out of contact with air by a movable barrier. Eventually, the water is fed from the storage tank to a dispenser and can subsequently be used in a post-mix beverage dispenser. A visual display indicates the status of the water treatment system.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a water treatment system andmethod for use in a post-mix beverage dispenser.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In some locations, water sterility is a health issue, andrestricts the use of on premise beverage preparation machines (generallyreferred to as “postmix” equipment). Where water is to be used inbeverage preparation, excessive bicarbonate hardness is undesirable,since it reduces the acidity of the beverage and affects taste.Volatiles in water, such as organics and chlorine also can have anaffect on its taste. Particularly hologenated organics(tri-halomethanes, generally described as THMs) have recently given riseto consumer concerns and regulatory restriction. Suspended matter andturbidity reduces the quality of water both when consumed alone, and onmixing to produce a beverage. Finally, in certain locations, consumershave also shown concerns regarding the heavy metal content of water, andthis too has been the subject of legislation in some countries.

[0003] Dissolved air in raw water, although not in itself a waterquality aspect, can reduce the effectiveness of carbonation in post-mixequipment, and make dispensing difficult due to foaming. A means ofdeaerating water is advantageous for such equipment. It is noted thatwater deaeration is always carried out prior to carbonation in bottlingand canning plants.

[0004] Therefore, a simple method for in-house, or instore, removal ofmicrobiological contamination, bicarbonate hardness, volatile organiccompounds (VOCs)—particularly THMs—as well as chlorine and heavy metals,is important for meeting certain consumer concerns, raising the qualityof drinking water in some locations, and improving the taste of onpremise prepared beverages in certain outlets. Additionally, deaerationof water is highly desirable for post-mix outlets, and can lead toreduced foam on dispensing and better beverage quality. However, onpremise water treatment systems must meet the following criteria:

[0005] Low cost of original equipment;

[0006] High reliability in absence of technical monitoring or controls;

[0007] All the above-stated quality criteria (i.e. sterility,bicarbonate hardness, chlorine, THMs/VOCs, turbidity, heavy metals anddesirably, deaeration);

[0008] Simple, convenient, safe operation by nonqualified people (i.e.in-store or in-home);

[0009] Low cost of maintenance and operation; and

[0010] Low space-utilization.

[0011] Currently available systems for use in-home and/or in-store donot meet all the quality and other criteria. Such systems include carbonfiltration systems. These systems only address chlorine and VOCs/THMs,but organics are effectively removed only when the filter is regularlymaintained. When maintenance is poor, such devices can actually act asbiological contaminators. Thus, carbon filtration systems can causeproblems in one area while inadequately addressing other areas.

[0012] Another conventional system uses reverse osmosis. Such a systemaddresses bicarbonate hardness, heavy metals and microbiologicalcontaminants only. Reverse osmosis systems require significantmaintenance. Moreover, VOCs/THMs are not treated and these together withchlorine, can actually damage the reverse osmotic membrane and reduceits effectiveness.

[0013] Simple ion-exchange systems are also known. These systemsnormally address only bicarbonate hardness or, if more complicated, thetotal metal and salt content of water. However, these systems needregular maintenance such as the regeneration of the ion-exchange resin.If such maintenance is not carried out, these systems can actuallyproduce treated water of worse quality than untreated water. Chlorine isuntreated and can damage the ion-exchange resins in these systems.Moreover, VOCs/THMs are untreated and microbiological contaminants arenot only untreated but may actually be significantly increased due tomicrobiological growth on the resin.

[0014] Simple filtration has been used where turbidity is a waterquality issue. Such filtration addresses this criteria only, and canincrease microbiological contamination if not regularly maintained.

[0015] Water sterilization systems using chemicals are known. Suchsystems address only the microbiological contaminant criterion and needcareful maintenance to ensure that chemicals cannot pass into thetreated water.

[0016] None of these above-mentioned conventional systems are easilymaintained by the non-expert user. Moreover, all of these systems havesignificant penalties if the user fails to carry out proper maintenance.Although none of the above-mentioned systems meet the whole set ofquality criteria discussed, all but the simplest and least reliable arecostly both to buy and maintain.

[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 4,844,796 to Plester teaches the principles of heattreating water. This system, however, includes carbon and sandfiltration in a first cartridge section and further filtration and anactivated carbon screen in a second cartridge section. It is desired toavoid such filtration and to expand the water treatment qualitycriteria.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention toprovide an improved method for treating all the water quality criterianamed (i.e. microbiological contamination, bicarbonate hardness,VOCs/THMs, chlorine, turbidity and heavy metals).

[0019] It is a further object of the present invention to provide amethod which is simple, cheap, compact, involves low and non-expertmaintenance and has no water quality risk if the user does not properlymaintain the system.

[0020] In this regard, it is a further object of the present inventionto provide a method wherein the user is forced to take steps to maintainthe system.

[0021] A further object of the present invention is to provide a methodwherein the apparatus remains hot until treatment is completed tothereby avoid microbiological recontamination.

[0022] These objects are also fulfilled by a method of treating waterfor use in a post-mix beverage dispenser comprising the step ofproviding a housing having a collector, an inlet, an outlet and ahead-space. The housing defines a water treatment chamber and receiveswater through the inlet. The method further comprises the steps ofheating the water in the water treatment chamber for a predeterminedperiod of time to break down bicarbonate hardness in the water andproviding a collector on which precipitates from the water can bedeposited. Gases disentrained from the water are collected in thehead-space of the housing and released from the housing, and water fromthe outlet is received in a storage tank. The method further comprisesthe step of keeping the water stored in the storage tank out of contactwith air or other gases in a headspace of the storage tank by providinga collapsible water chamber including a movable hermetic barriercontacting the water in the storage tank and capable of followingchanges of water volume in the water chamber.

[0023] Moreover, these objects are fulfilled by a method of treatingwater for use in a post-mix beverage dispenser comprising the steps ofintroducing water into a housing, the housing having a collector and aheadspace and heating the water in the housing to break down bicarbonatehardness in the water. Carbonates are deposited on the collector andheavy metals are codeposited on the collector due to change in pH of thewater. The method further comprises the steps of collecting gasesdisentrained from the water in the head-space of the housing andmaintaining the water in the housing for a predetermined period of time.The water is heated during at least the predetermined period of time.The water is then supplied from the housing to a storage tank and thewater stored in the storage tank is kept out of contact with air orother gases in a headspace of the storage tank by providing acollapsible water chamber including a movable hermetic barriercontacting the water in the storage tank and capable of followingchanges of water volume in the water chamber.

[0024] A method for satisfying these and other objects further comprisesthe step of introducing water into a housing or cartridge, the housinghaving a collector and a filter. The filter has a shorter useful lifethan the collector. The water is moved through the housing with thewater first flowing through the collector and then through the filter.The method further includes the step of heating the water in the housingto break down bicarbonate hardness in the water thereby depositingcarbonates on the collector. The carbonates gradually reduce properfunctioning of the collector. A condition of the filter which changes asa function of the depositing of said bicarbonates thereon which willeventually block the flow of water through the filter is monitored. Thecollector will only partially be blocked when the filter is completelyblocked such that water could flow through the collector but the flow ofwater through the collector is prevented by the blocking of the filter.This blocked filter will therefore signal the need for maintenance ofthe collector.

[0025] According to another embodiment of this invention, a system fortreating water comprises a water submersible heater disposed in ahousing along with a solid precipitate collector. More particularly, thesystem comprises a housing defining a water treatment chamber and havinga water inlet for receiving untreated water and a water outlet fordischarging treated water, the water submersible heater, and thecollector. The water submersible heater is disposed in the housing sothat the heater is in direct contact with the water in the housing andthe heater heats the water sufficiently to convert dissolved impuritiesin the untreated water to solid precipitates and gases. The collector isdisposed in the housing for collecting the solid precipitates depositedfrom the water. Suitable water submersible heaters including anelectrical heater. Desirably, the housing, collector, and heater form adisposable unit which can be disengaged from the system and replaced.

[0026] This invention also encompasses a method for treating watercomprising feeding untreated water into a water treatment chamberdefined by a housing through a water inlet in the housing, heating theuntreated water fed into the water treatment chamber with a watersubmersible heater disposed in the housing, collecting the solidprecipitates deposited from the water onto a collector disposed in thehousing, and discharging treated water from the housing through a wateroutlet in the housing.

[0027] This invention also encompasses an embodiment wherein thepolishing filter of the water treatment and system is a polyester woolfilter. The polyester wool filter is relatively inexpensive and performswell.

[0028] According to still another aspect of this invention, a system fortreating water is provided comprising a housing defining a watertreatment chamber and having a water inlet for receiving untreated waterand a water outlet for discharging treated water, a heater for heatingthe water in the housing sufficiently to convert dissolved impurities inthe untreated water to solid precipitates and gases, a collectordisposed in the housing for collecting the solid precipitates, a watercooler for receiving treated water from the housing water outlet, and afan for forcing air pass the water cooler to cooler the treated water inthe water cooler. More particularly, the system for treating waterfurther comprises a gas outlet for discharging the gases from thehousing and a condenser for receiving the gases discharged from the gasoutlet. The fan is position for forcing air past the condenser to coolthe gases in the condenser. This invention also encompasses thecorresponding method wherein air is forced past a water cooler in awater treatment method to cool the treated water in the water cooler.

[0029] According to yet another aspect of this invention, a system fortreating water is provided comprising a visual display for indicating astatus of the system. Desirably, the visual display comprises aplurality of lights for indicating the status of the system and iscapable of indicating a plurality of possible statuses of the system.The statuses include the level of water in the housing, the level ofwater in the reservoir, the level of precipitate blockage in the finefilter of the system, the water discharge status, the system coolingstatus, and the system power status.

[0030] More particularly, the visual display of this invention indicateswhen the water in the housing is below a predetermined level, when thewater in the housing is above a predetermined level, when the water inthe reservoir is below a predetermined level, when the housingdischarges treated water, and when the water in the housing is below apredetermined temperature.

[0031] Further scope of applicability of the present invention willbecome apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter.However, it should be understood that the detailed description andspecific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of theinvention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changesand modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from this detaileddescription.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0032] The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawingswhich are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitativeof the present invention, and wherein:

[0033]FIG. 1 shows the basic apparatus used with the method of thepresent invention;

[0034]FIG. 2 shows an alternative arrangement for the product waterstorage tank of the present invention;

[0035]FIG. 3 shows an alternative control system using electricalheating;

[0036]FIG. 4 shows an alternative gas heating system of the presentinvention;

[0037]FIG. 5 shows a reduced scale, perspective view of a cartridge usedin the present invention;

[0038]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative water treatmentsystem made in accordance with an embodiment of this invention; and

[0039]FIG. 7 is a diagram of the visual display and control system ofthe water treatment system illustrated in FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] Referring in detail to the drawings and with particular referenceto FIG. 1, the apparatus of the present invention is shown. Thisapparatus includes a removable/disposable housing or cartridge 1 havinga mesh structure 2 and a float valve 3. The interior of cartridge 1forms a water treatment chamber. The mesh structure 2 can be metal orplastic. The mesh structure 2 acts as a collector means through whichwater flows as will be described below.

[0041] Optional baffles 4 may be provided in the mesh structure 2 incartridge 1. These baffles 4 guide the water along a tortuous path fromone end of the cartridge 1 to another as indicated by the arrows. Thebaffles 4 can be either metal or plastic and will ensure gooddistribution, avoidance of short-circuiting and good particle settling.

[0042] In FIG. 5, the toroidal shape of cartridge 1 can be seen. Inother words, the cartridge 1 has a cylindrical shape with a longitudinalcavity 5. This cavity 5 is shown as terminating within the cartridge 1,but this cavity 5 could extend completely through the cartridge 1.

[0043] As FIG. 1 shows, cartridge 1 is heated by an internal heater 6 oran external heating-mantle 6 a (as indicated in dotted lines). Theinternal heater 6 is inserted into the centrally located cavity 5. Whilecartridge 1 is disposable, the internal heater 6 or heating-mantle 6 aacts as a permanent heating means. The cartridge 1 is insertable on orinto either of these heaters and is readily removable therefrom. It iscontemplated that only one heater 6 or 6 a will be used; however, bothheaters can be used, if necessary. The external heating-mantle 6 a cansurround all of the generally cylindrical cartridge 1 or only a part ofthis cartridge. Of course, other heating arrangements should be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art.

[0044] Internal pipes are arranged within the cartridge 1. These pipesincludes inlet pipe 7 which ducts incoming untreated water to the baseof cartridge 1. An outlet pipe 8 ducts the treated water from the top ofthe cartridge 1. These pipes 7 and 8 can respectively be considered as awater inlet and a water outlet to the water treatment chamber incartridge 1.

[0045] The cartridge 1 is located within the apparatus by a removablehead 9. Cartridge 1 can-be screwed onto head 9 or attached thereto byany other suitable means. This head 9 and cartridge 1 merely need to beconnected such that water will not leak from cartridge 1. Suitablegaskets or O-rings can be used to ensure an hermetic seal between head 9and cartridge 1, if so desired.

[0046] The head 9 contains the inlet/outlet water piping and a vent 10for the gases as will be explained below. Vent 10 can simply be a pipeextending from the interior of the cartridge 1. The cartridge 1 isreadily removable from an insulating mantle 41. This mantle 41 caneasily be opened to provide access for changing cartridge 1.

[0047] Head 9 is removable from cartridge 1. The head 9 can be extractedfrom mantle 41 with the cartridge 1 or alternatively, can be separatedfrom the cartridge 1 and remain within this mantle 41. Appropriatecouplings (such as quick release couplings) are provided for the pipes7, 8 and vent 10 so that these elements can readily be connected ordisconnected to existing piping structure within the cartridge 1.Alternatively, these pipes 7, 8 and vent 10 can simply be inserted intothe cartridge 1 when head 9 is placed on the mantle 41. One skilled inthe art should appreciated many different arrangements whereby thecartridge 1 can be readily inserted into and removed from mantle 41.

[0048] Untreated raw water indicated by numeral 15 enters the systemthrough water main 52. This water passes through valve 54 and amechanical flow control 16. Valve 54 can be omitted and control means 16can act as the sole inlet control between the water main 52 andcartridge 1.

[0049] The control means 16 controls flow of the water through thecartridge 1. The control means or flow control 16 will control thevelocity of the water through the cartridge 1 such that the water willremain in the cartridge for a predetermined period of time, usually 1-60minutes.

[0050] The water in inlet pipe 7 travels through a heat exchanger 18.The raw water 15 is heated by outgoing treated water indicated bynumeral 19. This will reduce the temperature of product water 20 closeto the temperature of the incoming raw water 15.

[0051] The heated raw water 21 will enter cartridge 1 and be ducted tothe base of the cartridge by the inlet pipe 7. This water will then risethrough the cartridge 1 being heated by the internal heater 6 or theexternal heating-mantle 6 a. The water will rise to the level of thefloat valve 3 and will be ducted out of the cartridge 1 by the outletpipe 8.

[0052] Gases disentrained within the cartridge 1 consists mainly ofwhatever VOCs/THMs, air and chlorine are dissolved in the raw water aswell as carbon dioxide formed during the heat induced decomposition ofbicarbonate. In particular, volatiles will be removed due to the rise intemperature and attendant reduction in solubility of the water. Thesevolatiles will also be removed by the stripping effect of dissolved airand nascent carbon dioxide generated by the breakdown of bicarbonatehardness.

[0053] Gases collect in the head-space 11 of the cartridge 1 and arereleased periodically together with steam by float valve 3. These gasesare then vented through vent 10. Solids contained in the raw water 15,or formed by the decomposition of bicarbonates, or heavy metals whosesolubility has been reduced, are deposited in the mesh structure 2 ofcartridge 1. The bicarbonates, heavy metals and any other precipitatesfrom the water can be considered as certain precipitated solids whichare collected by the mesh structure (collector means) 2.

[0054] In particular, precipitated solids collect on the surface of themesh structure 2, provided the process criteria (temperature andresidence time) are appropriately maintained. The heat from internalheater 6 or heating-mantle 6 a will break down the bicarbonate hardness,depositing carbonates on the mesh structure 2. Accordingly, thecartridge 1 is a reaction chamber in which bicarbonate is removed out ofsolution in the water by thermal decomposition, which changes thebicarbonate to carbonate and carbon dioxide. The carbonate is insolubleand deposits as a hard “fur” (clinging sediment) on the mesh structure 2and other hot surfaces within the disposable cartridge 1.

[0055] As will be explained below, these deposits eventually reduce theinternal capacity of the cartridge 1 to a point beyond which the thermaldecomposition can no longer be completed because the reduced space inthe cartridge results in a reduction in the treatment time available forthe water in the cartridge. In other words, carbonates and heavy metalsare codeposited and gradually fill up the cartridge 1 reducing its voidspace and thus reducing residence time of the water in the cartridge.The heavy metals are codeposited with the carbonates due to theresultant change in pH of the water. As the residence time is reduced,so is the time available for the precipitation to take place. At somepoint, when the deposits have reached a certain level and the voidagewithin the cartridge has been reduced to a certain degree, there is nolonger sufficient space in the cartridge 1 to achieve minimum residencetime needed to complete the precipitation process. Then water withprecipitable dissolved solids will enter a polishing ring filter 22.This ring filter 22 will be described in more detail below.

[0056] As set forth above, the cartridge 1 has a free internalgas/liquid surface at head-space 11 where volatiles are collected anddischarged by the internally operated valving device 3. The volatiles(VOCs/THMs and chlorine) are removed due to the rise in temperature andattendant reduction in solubility and also by the stripping effect ofdissolved air and of nascent carbon dioxide generated by the breakdownof bicarbonate hardness. Water sterility is achieved by heating thewater over an appropriate time period. Turbidity is removed within thecartridge 1 due to settling induced by the low fluid velocity controlledby the control means 16 and by the fine filtration mesh or filter 22.

[0057] The ring filter 22 is a filter means. The water at the top of thecartridge is ducted through this ring filter 22 which acts as apolishing filter. Cottonwool, fine sand and/or plastic granules, porousplastic or similar material can be used for filter 22. Any materialsuitable for fine, depth-filtration can be used for ring filter 22. Thefilter 22 will initially have a function of removing or polishing minutecarry-over of solids in solid (i.e. non-dissolved) form. The filter 22is arranged to be in contact with either the internal heater 6 oralternatively, the heating-mantle 6 a. The water leaving the filter 22will eventually enter the outlet pipe 8 and leave cartridge 1.

[0058] Bicarbonate escaping the mesh structure 2 (due to inadequatedecomposition in cartridge 1) will deposit on filter 22. Until waterwith precipitatable dissolved solids enters the ring filter 22, thisfilter generally only removes odd specks of escaping solid. In otherwords, carry-over of dissolved solids should not normally reach filter22, since such dissolved solids should be deposited on mesh structure 2;however, when the voidage within the mesh structure 2 is reduced and thecartridge 1 is spent, precipitatable dissolved solids will carry-over toring filter 22. Since the ring filter 22 contacts the internal heater 6and/or the heating-mantle 6 a, it will be heated and the noncompletedprecipitation will continue or be completed in the filter 22. Carry-overoff dissolved-solids would normally pass through filter 22 and notaffect it. Because ring filter 22 is heated, however, a postreaction isinduced and the non-completed precipitation will continue or becompleted.

[0059] Because the filter 22 has minute pores compared to the meshstructure 2, the filter 22 fills and blocks very quickly due to thecarry-over. These deposits will signal the need to change cartridge 1.Such bicarbonates will decompose and block ring filter 22 rendering thecartridge unusable. The user will then be forced to exchange thecartridge for a fresh one.

[0060] Water would continue to pass through the mesh structure 2 exceptthat the blocked filter 22 prevents such flow. In other words, if thefilter 22 were not present, water would continue to flow through themesh structure 2 and exit the filter. While some purification of thewater would occur, the water exiting the cartridge 1 would not beadequately treated. Because filter 22 is present, water flow willterminate when this filter becomes blocked due to bicarbonates beingcarried over. The condition of the filter 22 will change as a functionof the depositing of bicarbonates thereon. This condition of filter 22can be monitored. When the filter 22 is eventually blocked, the userwill therefore be automatically signaled of the need for maintenance ofthe mesh structure (collector means) 2. When the filter 22 is blocked,the cartridge 1 is basically spent and the cartridge outlet blocked. Theuser will therefore be forced to replace cartridge 1.

[0061] Water sterility is achieved with the present apparatus by heatingthe water over an appropriate period of time under the control ofcontrol means 16. Turbidity is removed from the water within thecartridge 1 due to the settling induced by the low fluid velocity and bythe filter 22 provided at the outlet of the cartridge.

[0062] Outgoing treated water 19 passes into an-air-cooler 25. Thisair-cooler 25 has a conventional fin-type construction for air cooling.Temperature of the treated water 19 is reduced by 5° C. to 30° C. Thisensures that the outgoing treated water 19 no longer has a temperaturewhich can cause bicarbonate decomposition and solid deposition withinthe heat exchanger 18. Such bicarbonate decomposition and soliddeposition could render the heat exchanger 18 inoperative. Also, theair-cooler 25 will ensure that incoming raw water cannot be heatedwithin the heat exchanger 18 to a temperature which would inducepremature precipitation of dissolved solids in the incoming raw water,and thus lead to ultimate blockage inside the heat exchanger.

[0063] The heated raw water 21 leaving the heat exchanger 18 has atemperature which is 5° C. to 30° C. lower than the operatingtemperature of the cartridge 1. This water will quickly reach thecorrect operating temperature upon entering cartridge 1. A cool treatedwater outlet stream is secured with the present apparatus and method.The heat exchanger also aids heat economy such that a thermallyefficient system is obtained. Also, by reducing the temperature of thetreated water, overheating of a downstream dispenser having built-inrefrigeration can be avoided.

[0064] The operating temperature in cartridge 1 is in the range of 90°C. to 115° C., but may be significantly higher when the water contains ahigh proportion of sodium or potassium bicarbonates. The temperature iskept as low as practical, within the needs of treatment quality. Thiswill enable the system to operate at a low pressure and to minimizeenergy consumption.

[0065] Preferably, the water will be fed by pressure from water main 52without the necessity of a water feed pump. Of course, such a pump couldbe used. The residence time of the water in the cartridge 1 iscontrolled by the control means 16 and the design of the free volume ofthe cartridge 1. If a water pump is used, the control means 16 can causethis pump to supply water to the cartridge when appropriate. Residencetimes of water within the cartridge 1 are in the order of 1-60 minutesas noted above.

[0066] The product water 20 enters storage tank 26 from the heatexchanger 18. An air cushion 27 is provided within the storage tank 26.Head-space gases such as air are found in this cushion 27. This aircushion is separated from the stored water 28 by a movable hermeticbarrier 29. Barrier 29 contacts the water in water chamber 56 andfollows changes in water volume. This barrier 29 will therefore keep thewater in the storage tank out of contact with head-space gases. Agaseous head-space will not be permitted to be formed above and incontact with the water. The barrier 29 will permit water storage withoutrecontamination of the water with atmosphere.

[0067] This movable barrier 29 can be a flexible membrane, a floatingplatform on the surface of the water in tank 26 or any other suitablestructure. If a flexible membrane is used as the barrier 29, it can bemade from plastic, rubber or any suitable material. The air cushion 27is trapped in the head-space of the storage tank 26. Pressure of the aircushion 27 therefore increases as the quantity of stored water 28increases.

[0068] In very small installations, where control simplification isdesired, the controls described below can be simplified by allowing thepressure of the air cushion 27 to stop the water flow once this pressurehas reached equilibrium with the water main pressure. In such anarrangement, the flow would automatically restart when stored water 28is withdrawn and the pressure of the air cushion 27 falls. In such acase, cartridge 1 must be oversized in capacity to deal with thecondition of cold starting.

[0069] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2, instead of an air cushion 27,the barrier 29 can move an actuator 30. This actuator 30 can be avertically movable platform within the storage tank 26. Upon reaching acertain height, the actuator 30 will trigger a level switch 31. Thelevel switch 31 is part of the control system of the apparatus describedbelow. When it is necessary to operate with cartridge 1 having atemperature above 100° C., a back pressure on the cartridge 1 can beprovided by a simple, conventional spring-relief valve 32.

[0070] The purpose of barrier 29 is to permit water storage withoutrecontamination of the water as noted above. The water is out of contactwith the ambient environment. Air within the storage tank (such asair-cushion 27) is kept out of contact with the stored water 28. Thebarrier can also prevent the formation of a gaseous head-space incontact with the water in chamber 56.

[0071] The purpose of the storage tank 26 is to enable the sizing ofcartridge 1 and its heaters (6 or 6 a) to be minimal and compact, by notneeding to meet pre-draw requirements. One purpose of the air cushion 27is to provide a back pressure on the cartridge 1. This will enableoperating temperatures in the cartridge above 100° C., similarly to thespring-relief valve 32.

[0072] In case of electrical heating as shown in FIG. 1, heaters 6 or 6a can be sized to provide fixed heat generation consisting of requiredsensible heat, plus a small amount of evaporation, plus heat losses.Solenoid-operated stop valve 35 is located in the removable head 9. Thisstop valve 35 is closed whenever cartridge 1 is below the correcttemperature of water treatment. In such a condition, no steam will begenerated in its head-space. Such steam is detected by thermal switch 36located immediately after head 9.

[0073] When thermal switch 36 detects steam, the stopvalve 35 opens topermit treated water to flow from cartridge 1. When storage tank 26 isfull, the air cushion 27 reaches maximum pressure. This can be detectedby pressure switch 37 or level switch 31. Either switch can close a stopvalve 35 and turn off the heater 6 or 6 a.

[0074] As the stored water 28 is withdrawn from the storage tank 26, thepressure on the air cushion 27 falls. The heater 6 or 6 a will then beswitched back on. However, stop valve 35 does not immediately open. Thisvalve 35 is kept closed by thermal switch 36 until steam is generatedand the correct treatment temperature is established. The effluent gasesducted in pipe 10 of FIG. 1 contain mainly steam. These gases arecondensed in a finned coiled tube 39. The condensate collects in driptray 40. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the air cushion 27 isreplaced by an actuator 30 and the level switch 31 performs all thefunctions described for the pressure switch 37.

[0075] Turning now to FIG. 3, a simple on/off thermostat system caninstead be used. Because many of the elements in the embodiment of FIG.3 are the same as those of FIG. 1, their description will now beomitted. The on/off thermostat system of FIG. 3 is used when the heatcapacity of the heater 6 or 6 a is low enough to permit good temperaturecontrol. In this case, the thermal switch 36 is located within theheadspace 11 of cartridge 1. This thermal switch 36 will switch heater 6or 6 a on and off by an electrical switch 38.

[0076]FIG. 1 indicates a dispenser 50 connected to the stored water 28in storage tank 26. It should be noted that water flows directly fromthe cartridge 1 to the storage tank 26 and then to the this dispenser 50without the need for additional treatment. In particular, there is nochemical treatment of the water after it leaves the cartridge 1.Moreover, chemicals are not added to the cartridge to treat the watertherein. Conventional carbon/sand filtration is avoided in the presentapparatus while increased water treatment quality criteria are met.

[0077] The dispenser 50 indicated in FIG. 1 is merely shown as a blockdiagram. It should be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art thatvarious dispensing arrangements may be incorporated as such a dispenser.Treated water released from this dispenser 50 can be used in a post-mixbeverage dispenser. In fact, household or in-store users can tap thewater from the storage tank 26 and drink it as treated water without thewater going to dispenser 50. This treated water could therefore be usedfor domestic drinking or cooking purposes.

[0078] Turning now to FIG. 4, an alternate heating arrangement is shown.Because many of the elements in the embodiment of FIG. 4 are the same asthose of FIG. 1, their description will now be omitted. Gas heating isused in this embodiment of FIG. 4 instead of internal heater 6. Anexternal heating-mantle 6 a may or may not be used depending upon theheating requirements of the apparatus.

[0079] Cartridge 1 and head 9 have an internal chimney 44 in theembodiment of FIG. 4. Thermal switch 36 is located in the head-space 11of cartridge 1. This thermal switch 36 will switch gas valve 45 on andoff. The gas flame will then be lit by spark plug 46 and ignition willbe controlled in a conventional manner to ensure safe operation. The gassupply for the flame can be provided by a gas cylinder 47. The gascylinder 47 is located beneath the internal chimney 44. The gas cylinder47 and gas valve 45 are a part of the heater means of the FIG. 4embodiment.

[0080] The arrangement of FIG. 4 is easily portable and can be used inmany different applications. For example, this arrangement can be usedat fairs, picnics or other locations where electrical power is notreadily available. If an external heating mantle 6 a is also provided,this FIG. 4 embodiment can also readily be used when electrical power isavailable and gas heating is not desired.

[0081] Apart from the water treatment apparatus of the presentinvention, a water treatment method is provided. In this water treatmentmethod, water is introduced into the cartridge 1 and passed through themesh structure 2. The water is heated by either the internal heater 6,by the external heating-mantle 6 a or by a flame from gas cylinder 47.This heating will cause breakdown of bicarbonate hardness of the water.A collector or mesh structure 2 is provided on which the bicarbonate andother precipitates can be deposited. Gases disentrained from the waterare collected in head-space 11. Storage tank 26 is provided to receivethe water from the outlet of the cartridge 1. This water is kept out ofcontact with air or other gases in a head-space of the storage tank 26by providing a collapsible water chamber 56 including hermetic barrier29. This barrier 29 contacts the water in the storage tank 26 andfollows changes in water volume in the water chamber 56.

[0082] The method of the invention further includes the steps ofintroducing water into the housing or cartridge 1. A collector or meshstructure 2 and head-space 11 are provided in the housing. The water isheated by either the internal heater 6, by the external heating mantle 6a or by a flame from gas cylinder 47. This heating will cause breakdownof the bicarbonates in the water which will be deposited on the meshstructure or collector 2. Heavy metals will be codeposited on this meshstructure 2 due to the resultant change in pH of the water. Gasesdisentrained from the water are collected in head-space 11. The water ismaintained in the cartridge 1 for a predetermined period of time. Thewater is heated during at least this predetermined period of time,usually 10-60 minutes. The water will then be supplied from housing orcartridge 1 directly to storage tank 26. The water in the storage tank26 is kept out of contact with air or other gases in the headspace oftank 26 by the barrier 29. This barrier 29 is in contact with the waterand follows changes of water volume in the water chamber 56 of the tank26.

[0083] The water in storage tank 26 can be discharged through dispenser50. There is no chemical treatment of the water from the cartridge 1 tothe storage tank 26 and the dispenser 50. Treatment of water quality issubstantially completed when the water leaves cartridge 1.

[0084] Apart from the above-described methods, the present-inventionalso provides for a method for treating water for use in a post-mixbeverage dispenser wherein the ability of the system to treat the watercan be monitored. In this method, water is also introduced into housingor cartridge 1. The water will move through the housing by first flowingthrough the collector or mesh structure 2 and then through the filter22. The filter 22 has a shorter useful life than the collector. Theinternal heater 6, the external heating-mantle 6 a or the flame from gascylinder 47 will heat the water within housing or cartridge 1.Bicarbonate hardness of the water will be broken down and carbonateswill be deposited on the collector or mesh structure 2 thereby graduallyreducing its proper functioning. A condition of the filter 22 willchange as a function of the depositing of the bicarbonates on the meshstructure 2 such that the filter 22 will monitor the condition of thefilter. The filter 22 will become completely blocked before the meshstructure 2 to thereby stop the flow of water. This blocked filter 22will therefore signal the need for maintenance of the collector or meshstructure 2. Because the flow of water will terminate, a user will beforced to replace a spent cartridge 1.

[0085] An alternative water treatment system 110 according to anotherembodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 6. Thestructure and operation of this alternative water treatment system 110is similar to the system illustrated in FIG. 1, but is also different inmany respects as will be explained below. Generally, the alternativewater treatment system 110 comprises an enclosure 112, a disposable andreplaceable water treatment cartridge 114, a heat exchange cartridge116, an intercooler 118, a condenser 120, and a treated water reservoir121.

[0086] The enclosure 112 is desirably of sturdy construction such asstainless steel, plastic, wood or other types of metal, and has anaccess opening 122 which can be sealed by a door 124. The enclosure 112is divided into a water treatment compartment 126 and a coolingcompartment 128 by a vertical panel 130. Vents 132 at the top and bottomof the cooling compartment 128 allow cooling air flow through thecooling compartment.

[0087] The disposable water treatment cartridge 114 is similar inoperation and structure to the cartridge 1 illustrated in FIG. 2 anddescribed hereinabove; however, there are some differences. The watertreatment cartridge 114 shown in FIG. 6 comprises a housing 133including a metal cylinder or can 134 which removably attaches to acircular head 136 attached to a mounting panel 138 in the enclosure 112.The mounting panel 138 extends between the vertical panel 130 and a sidewall of the enclosure. An untreated water inlet 140 extends through thehead 136 of the cartridge housing 133 and into the water treatmentchamber 137. The untreated water inlet 140 discharges untreated watertoward the lower end of the cartridge housing 133. A treated wateroutlet 142 extends from within the water treatment chamber 137 throughthe head 136 of the cartridge housing 133.

[0088] A water submersible electric heater 144 is disposed in thecartridge housing 133 proximate the lower end of the housing. Electricalcontacts 146 extend through the metal cylinder 134 of the housing 133for connection to an electric power source. The heater 144 is disposedin the housing for direct contact with water in the housing and isdisposable along with the remainder of the cartridge 114. As with theembodiments described hereinabove, the heater 144 is operable forheating water in the water treatment chamber 137 of the cartridge 114sufficiently to convert dissolved impurities in the untreated water tosolid precipitates and gases.

[0089] A collector 148 comprising a steel or plastic mesh is disposed inthe cartridge housing 133 between the heater 144 and the head 136. Aswith the previous embodiments, the collector collects at least a portionof the solid precipitates deposited from the water during treatment ofthe water. A polishing filter 150 is disposed in the cartridge housing133 on top of the collector 148 and, as in the previous embodimentsdescribed herein, collects the relatively fine portion of theprecipitates deposited from the water during treatment. The polishingfilter 150 can comprise a variety of materials as described with regardto the previous embodiment, but preferably comprises polyester wool.

[0090] As in the previous embodiment, the polishing filter 150 of thiswater treatment system 110 has a shorter useful life than the collector148. The untreated water inlet 140 discharges untreated water below thecollector 148 and the treated water outlet 142 collects treated waterabove the polishing filter 150 so that the water discharged by theuntreated water inlet must flow first through the collector and thenthrough the polishing filter. The polishing filter 150, having a fineporous structure, becomes blocked with precipitates before the collector148 becomes blocked. As will be explained in more detail below, thisblockage indicates that the cartridge 114 must be replaced.

[0091] A gas outlet valve 152 in the head 136 of the cartridge housing133 periodically discharges gases from the head space 154 of thecartridge 114 through a gas outlet 153. As with the previously describedembodiment, these gases include steam, carbon dioxide, and otherimpurities released from the water during treatment.

[0092] A lower water level sensor 156 is disposed in the water treatmentcartridge housing 133 above the polishing filter 150 and an upper waterlevel sensor 158 is disposed in the water treatment cartridge housingabove the lower level sensor. As will be explained further below, thesewater level sensors 156 and 158 indicate the water level in the watertreatment cartridge 114 and indicate the degree of blockage of thepolishing filter 150.

[0093] A temperature measuring device 160, such as a thermocouple, isalso disposed in the water treatment chamber 137 of the cartridgehousing 133 for measuring the temperature of the water in the watertreatment chamber. A steam detector 162 such as a thermal switch isdisposed in the gas outlet 153 to detect the generation of steam by thewater treatment cartridge 114.

[0094] The heat exchange cartridge 116 is disposed in the watertreatment compartment 126 of the enclosure adjacent the water treatmentcartridge 114 and comprises a housing 164 including a metal cylinder orcan 165 and a head 166. The cylinder 165 removably attaches to the head166. The heat exchange cartridge 116 also includes a coiled tube 168 forreceiving treated water from the water treatment cartridge 114. Thecoiled tube 168 extends between a treated water inlet 170 extendingthrough the head 166 of the housing 164 and a treated water outlet 172,which extends through the head 166 of the housing inside an untreatedwater inlet 174. Untreated water enters the heat exchange cartridgehousing 164 through the untreated water inlet 174 in the head 166. Theuntreated water inlet 174 discharges the untreated water near the bottomof the heat exchange cartridge housing 164. An untreated water outlet176 also extends through the head 166 of the heat exchange cartridgehousing 164 and connects with the untreated water inlet 140 of the watertreatment cartridge 114.

[0095] The intercooler 118 is disposed in the cooling compartment 128 ofthe enclosure 112 and includes a coiled tube 178 connected to thetreatment water outlet 142 of the water treatment cartridge 114 viaconduit 180. A fan 182 disposed in the cooling compartment 128 forcesair flow through the cooling compartment 128 between the vents 132 inthe enclosure 112.

[0096] The condenser 120 is also disposed in the cooling compartment 128of the enclosure 112 and comprises tubing 184 extending from the gasoutlet 153 in the water treatment cartridge 114 to an outlet 186 in theenclosure 112.

[0097] Raw untreated water is introduced into the water treatment system110 via a water main 188 which leads to the untreated water inlet 174 ofthe heat exchange cartridge 116.

[0098] Cooled treated water from the heat exchange cartridge 116 isdischarged through the reservoir 121 via an exit conduit 196. Thereservoir 121 comprises a housing 198 and a plastic bag 200 disposed inthe housing for receiving the treated water. As with the previousembodiments, the plastic bag 200 protects the treated water frombiological recontamination. A level sensor 202 is disposed in thereservoir housing 198 and detects the level of treated water in thereservoir 121.

[0099] The diagram in FIG. 7 illustrates a visual display 208 forindicating the status of the water treatment system 110. A computercontrol board 210 monitors the various detectors and measuring devicesin the water treatment system 110 and, based on data from the detectorsand measuring devices, commands a visual display of the system's statusvia three lights or LEDS 212, 214, and 216. Although any number oflights and colors can be used to display the status of the watertreatment system 110, this embodiment has three lights, one green, oneyellow and one red. Each light is capable of emitting a steady light ora flashing light. The operation of the water treatment system 110 andthe visual display 208 is described hereinafter.

[0100] Raw untreated water enters the water treatment system 110 throughthe water main 188 and is discharged through the untreated water inlet174 of the heat exchange cartridge 116 into the housing 164 of the heatexchange cartridge proximate the bottom of the heat exchange cartridgehousing. The untreated water is heated in the heat exchanger from atemperature of about 25° C. to about 80° C. The heated untreated wateris discharged from the heat exchange cartridge 116 through the untreatedwater outlet 176 which connects to the untreated water inlet 140 of thewater treatment cartridge 114.

[0101] The heated untreated water is discharged into the water treatmentcartridge housing 133 below the steel mesh collector 148 in the watertreatment cartridge housing. The heater 144 in the water treatmentchamber 137 heats the untreated water to a temperature of about 115° C.The water slowly flows up to the top of the water treatment cartridge114 through the collector 148 and the polishing filter 150. The minimumresidence time of water in the water treatment cartridge 114 is aboutsix minutes. As explained with the foregoing embodiment, heating thewater causes precipitates such as carbonates and heavy metals to depositon the heated surfaces of the water treatment cartridge. The coarser,heavier particles tend to settle at the bottom of the cartridge housing133 and finer particles collect on the collector 148 and the polishingfilter 150. In addition, as the water in the water treatment cartridge114 heats, entrained gases are released from the water into the headspace 154 of the cartridge and steam forms in the head space of thecartridge. As with the previously described embodiment, when thetemperature of the water in the water treatment cartridge 114 reaches115° C. and the thermal switch 162 detects steam in the gas outlet 152,a valve in the gas outlet is opened and releases steam and other gasesto the condenser 120.

[0102] Gases in the condenser 120, such as steam, are cooled in thecondenser by the forced air flow in the cooling compartment 128 createdby the fan 182. The condensants are discharged into a drip pan (notshown) or directly to drain.

[0103] Treated water is discharged from the water treatment cartridgehousing 133 through the treated water outlet 142 and fed to theintercooler 118. The treated water is cooled in the intercooler 118 bythe forced air produced by the fan 182 in the cooling compartment 128from a temperature of about 115° C. to about 80° C. The intercooler 118discharges the treated water into the coiled tube 168 of the heatexchange cartridge 116 through the treated water inlet 170. The treatedwater travels through the inside of the coiled tube 168 and is cooledfrom a temperature of about 80° C. to about 25° C. by thecounter-flowing untreated water from the water main 188.

[0104] The cooled treated water is then discharged from the heatexchange cartridge 116 through the treated water outlet 172 andconducted to the reservoir 121. The treated water is held in thereservoir bag 200 until the treated water is dispensed, such as for usein making fountain beverages.

[0105] The purpose of the intercooler 118 is to cool the treated waterto a temperature sufficiently low so as not to cause hardness in theuntreated water passing through the heat exchanger to precipitate andform scale in the heat exchange cartridge 116 and the conduits feedingthe untreated water from the heat exchange cartridge 116 to the watertreatment cartridge 114.

[0106] The visual display 208 is capable of indicating a plurality ofstatuses of the water treatment system 110 during the operation of thewater and service of the water treatment system. When power to the watertreatment system 110 is turned on with an on/off switch 220, the greenlight 212 of the visual display 208 comes on and emits a steady light.As the water treatment cartridge 114 begins to fill with water, theyellow light 214 comes on and emits a steady yellow light until thewater treatment cartridge 114 has enough water to cover the lower waterlevel sensor 156. The control board 210, based on data from the lowerwater level sensor 156 in the water treatment cartridge 114, turns offthe steady yellow light 214 when the lower water level sensor is coveredwith water.

[0107] The control board 210 also monitors the water level sensor 202 inthe reservoir 121 and until the reservoir has enough water to cover thewater level sensor in the reservoir, the control board causes the yellowlight 214 to flash. Once the control board 210 detects that the waterlevel sensor in the reservoir is covered in water, the control boardturns off the flashing yellow light 214.

[0108] The control board 210 monitors the temperature data from thethermocouple 160 in the water treatment cartridge 114 and the thermalswitch 162 in the gas outlet 153 and when the temperature of the waterin the water treatment cartridge reaches 115° C. and steam is detectedin the gas outlet, the control board directs the treated water outletvalve to discharge treated water to the reservoir 121 and causes thegreen light 212 of the visual display 208 to flash. When the treatedwater outlet valve closes and water generation ceases, the control boarddirects the green light 212 to emit a steady light indicating that thewater treatment system power is on.

[0109] The control board 210 monitors data from the lower and upperwater level sensors 156 and 158 in the water treatment cartridge 114 andcalculates the time required for water to rise from the lower levelsensor to the upper level sensor. The time required for the water torise indicates the degree of blockage of the polishing filter 150. Thecontrol board 210 compares the time required for the water to risebetween the lower and upper water level sensors 156 and 158 and comparesit to a predetermined time which indicates a degree of blockage of thepolishing filter 150 and gives a visual indication of the degree ofblockage. For example, when the time required for the water to riseindicates that the polishing filter 150 is 90% blocked, the controlboard 210 causes the red light 216 of the visual display to flash.Further, when the control board 210 detects that the time required forthe water to rise indicates that the polishing filter 150 is completelyblocked, the control board causes the red light 216 to emit a steady redlight and turns the water treatment system off.

[0110] Upon recognizing from the visual display that the water treatmentcartridge 114 is blocked, the operator can activate a cooling mode witha switch 222 that turns on the untreated water flow through the systembut does not turn on the heater 144. Cool water then circulatesthroughout the water treatment system and lowers the temperature of thewater treatment system. The control board 210 monitors the cool downswitch 222 and when the cool down mode is detected, the control boardflashes all three lights 212, 214, and 216, in sequence. The controlboard 210 continues to monitor the temperature of the water in the watertreatment cartridge 114 and, when the temperature drops below apredetermined number, such as 50° C., the control board causes all threelights 212, 214, and 216 of the visual display to flash simultaneouslyto indicate that the temperature of the water treatment system 110 islow enough for the operator to open the door 124 of the enclosure of112. In addition, upon detecting that the temperature of the water inthe water treatment cartridge 114 has dropped below the predeterminedtemperature, the control board unlocks an automatic locking mechanism224 which prevents the operator from opening the door 124 of theenclosure 112 during operation of the water treatment system.

[0111] The apparatus and method of the present invention required littlecontrol, are simple to maintain and operate and are relativelyinexpensive. In particular, the disposable cartridge 1 is relativelysimple and the non-disposable contents of the apparatus require littlemaintenance. Therefore, the apparatus can economically treat waterwithout entailing high capital expenditures.

[0112] The present apparatus and method reduce water hardness andprovide sterile water while removing many impurities of the water. Asimple method for in-home or in-store removal of microbiologicalcontaminants, bicarbonate hardness, VOCs/THMs, chlorine, heavy metalsand deaeration of water is provided. High reliability in the absence oftechnical monitoring or controls is obtained. This apparatus and methodare simple, convenient and can safely be operated by non-qualifiedpersonnel. Moreover, this apparatus and method require only limitedspace thereby further reducing the overall cost.

[0113] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that thesame may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regardedas a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all suchmodifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intendedto be included within the scope of the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A system for treating water comprising: a housing defininga water treatment chamber and having a water inlet for receivinguntreated water and a water outlet for discharging treated water; awater submersible heater disposed in the housing so that the heater isin direct contact with the water in the housing, the heater operable forheating the water sufficiently to convert dissolved impurities in theuntreated water to solid precipitates and gases; and a collectordisposed in the housing for collecting the solid precipitates depositedfrom the water.
 2. A system for treating water as in claim 1 furthercomprising a gas outlet for discharging the gases from the housing.
 3. Asystem for treating water as in claim 1 further comprising a storagetank to receive water from the water outlet of the housing.
 4. A systemfor treating water as in claim 1 further comprising providing acollapsible water container for keeping the water stored in the storagetank out of contact with air or other gases in a head-space of thestorage tank.
 5. A system for treating water as in claim 1 wherein theheater is an electrical heater.
 6. A system for treating water as inclaim 1 wherein the housing, collector, and heater form a disposableunit which can be disengaged from the system and replaced.
 7. A methodfor treating water comprising: feeding untreated water into a watertreatment chamber defined by a housing through a water inlet in thehousing; heating the untreated water fed into the water treatmentchamber with a water submersible heater disposed in the housing so thatthe water directly contacts the heater, the water being heatedsufficiently to convert dissolved impurities in the untreated water tosolid precipitates and gases; and collecting the solid precipitatesdeposited from the water onto a collector disposed in the housing; anddischarging treated water from the housing through a water outlet in thehousing.
 8. A method for treating water as in claim 8 further comprisingdischarging the gases from the housing through a gas outlet in thehousing.
 9. A method for treating water as in claim 8 further comprisingdischarging treated water from the water outlet of the housing into astorage tank.
 10. A method for treating water as in claim 9 furthercomprising providing a collapsible water container for keeping the waterstored in the storage tank out of contact with air or other gases in ahead-space of the storage tank.
 11. A method for treating water as inclaim 8 wherein the heater is an electrical heater.
 12. A method fortreating water as in claim 1 wherein the housing, collector, and heaterform a disposable unit, and the method further comprises disengaging thedisposable unit from the system and replacing the disposable unit.
 13. Asystem for treating water comprising: a housing defining a watertreatment chamber and having a water inlet for receiving untreated waterand a water outlet for discharging treated water; a heater for heatingthe water sufficiently to convert dissolved impurities in the untreatedwater to solid precipitates and gases; a collector disposed in thehousing for collecting a first portion of the solid precipitatesdeposited from the water; and a polyester wool filter disposed in thehousing for collecting a second portion of the solid precipitatesdeposited from the water, the water first flowing through the collectorand then through the filter, the filter having a shorter useful lifethan the collector so that the filter becomes blocked with theprecipitates before the collector becomes blocked with the particulates.14. A method for treating water comprising: feeding untreated water intoa water treatment chamber defined by a housing through a water inlet inthe housing; heating the water with a heater sufficiently to convertdissolved impurities in the untreated water to solid precipitates andgases; and collecting a first portion of the solid precipitatesdeposited from the water on a collector disposed in the housing;collecting a second portion of the solid precipitates on a polyesterwool filter disposed in the housing deposited from the water, the waterfirst flowing through the collector and then through the filter, thefilter having a shorter useful life than the collector so that thefilter becomes blocked with the precipitates before the collectorbecomes blocked with the particulates; and discharging treated waterfrom the housing through a water outlet in the housing.
 15. A system fortreating water comprising: a housing defining a water treatment chamberand having a water inlet for receiving untreated water and a wateroutlet for discharging treated water; a heater for heating the water inthe housing sufficiently to convert dissolved impurities in theuntreated water to solid precipitates and gases; a collector disposed inthe housing for collecting the solid precipitates deposited from thewater; a water cooler for receiving treated water from the housing wateroutlet; and a fan for forcing air past the water cooler to cool thetreated water in the water cooler.
 16. A system for treating water as inclaim 15 further comprising a gas outlet for discharging the gases fromthe housing and a condenser for receiving the gases discharged from thegas outlet, the fan positioned for forcing air past the condenser tocool the gases in the condenser.
 17. A system for treating water as inclaim 15 further comprising a heat exchanger for exchanging heat betweentreated water discharged from the water cooler and untreated water beingfed into the housing.
 18. A system for treating water as in claim 15wherein the cooler comprises a coiled pipe.
 19. A system for treatingwater as in claim 17 wherein the condenser comprises a coiled pipe. 20.A method for treating water comprising: feeding untreated water into awater treatment chamber defined by a housing through a water inlet inthe housing; heating the water in the housing with a heater sufficientlyto convert dissolved impurities in the untreated water to solidprecipitates and gases; and collecting the solid precipitates depositedfrom the water on a collector disposed in the housing; dischargingtreated water from the housing through a water outlet in the housing;feeding treated water from the housing water outlet through a watercooler; and forcing air past the water cooler to cool the treated waterin the water cooler.
 21. A method for treating water as in claim 20further comprising discharging the gases from the housing through a gasoutlet and a condenser, and forcing air past the condenser to cool thegases in the condenser.
 22. A method for treating water as in claim 20further comprising exchanging heat in a heat exchanger between treatedwater discharged from the water cooler and untreated water being fedinto the housing.
 23. A system for treating water as in claim 20 whereinthe cooler comprises a coiled pipe.
 24. A system for treating water asin claim 21 wherein the condenser comprises a coiled pipe.
 25. A systemfor treating water comprising: a housing defining a water treatmentchamber and having a water inlet for receiving untreated water and awater outlet for discharging treated water; a heater for heating thewater in the water treatment chamber sufficiently to convert dissolvedimpurities in the untreated water to solid precipitates and gases; acollector disposed in the housing for collecting the solid precipitatesdeposited from the water; a reservoir to receive treated waterdischarged from the water outlet of the housing; and a visual displayfor indicating a status of the system.
 26. A system for treating wateras in claim 25 wherein the visual display comprises a plurality oflights for indicating the status of the system.
 27. A system fortreating water as in claim 26 wherein the visual display is capable ofindicating any one of a plurality of possible statuses of the system.28. A system for treating water as in claim 27 wherein the statusesinclude the level of water in the housing.
 29. A system for treatingwater as in claim 28 wherein the visual display indicates when the waterin the housing is below a predetermined level.
 30. A system for treatingwater as in claim 28 wherein the visual display indicates when the waterin the housing is above a predetermined level.
 31. A system for treatingwater as in claim 28 further comprising a water level sensor disposed inthe housing for communicating to the visual display the water level inthe housing.
 32. A system for treating water as in claim 27 wherein thestatuses include the level of water in the reservoir.
 33. A system fortreating water as in claim 32 wherein the visual display indicates whenthe water in the reservoir is below a predetermined level.
 34. A systemfor treating water as in claim 32 further comprising a water levelsensor disposed in the reservoir for communicating to the visual displaythe water level in the reservoir.
 35. A system for treating water as inclaim 27 further comprising a fine filter disposed in the housing forfiltering precipitates from the water in the housing, wherein thestatuses include the level of precipitate blockage in the fine filter.36. A system for treating water as in claim 27 wherein the statusesinclude treated water discharge status.
 37. A system for treating wateras in claim 36 wherein the visual display indicates when the housingdischarges treated water.
 38. A system for treating water as in claim 27wherein the statuses include system cooling status.
 39. A system fortreating water as in claim 38 further comprising a switch for turningthe heater off while unheated water flows through the system to cool thesystem.
 40. A system for treating water as in claim 38 wherein thevisual display indicates when the water in the housing is below apredetermined temperature.
 41. A system for treating water as in claim40 further comprising an enclosure, the housing disposed in theenclosure, a door for providing access to the enclosure, a lock whichselectively locks the door when the water in the housing is at least thepredetermined temperature, and alternatively, unlocks the door when thewater in the housing is below the predetermined temperature.
 42. Asystem for treating water as in claim 27 wherein the statuses includethe level of water in the housing, the level of water in the reservoir,the temperature of the water in the water treatment chamber, the levelof blockage in the housing, treated water discharge status, system poweron/off status, and system cooling status.
 43. A method for treatingwater comprising: feeding untreated water into a water treatment chamberdefined by a housing through a water inlet in the housing; heating thewater in the water treatment chamber sufficiently to convert dissolvedimpurities in the untreated water to solid precipitates and gases;collecting the solid precipitates deposited from the water on acollector disposed in the housing; discharging treated water from thehousing through a water outlet in the housing; collecting treated waterdischarged from the water outlet of the housing in a reservoir; andvisually displaying a status of the system.
 44. A method for treatingwater as in claim 43 wherein the step of visually displaying comprisesindicating the status of the system with a plurality of lights.